1770. Advanced Composite Airframe Program (ACAP); An Update and Final Assessment of the Weight Saving Potential
$20.00
SAWE Members get a $200 store credit each year.*
*Store credit coupon available at checkout, click the button in your shopping cart to apply the coupon.
Not applicable to SAWE textbooks and current conference technical papers.
Paper
Abstract
This paper reviews the highlights and final results of the Sikorsky Advanced Composite Airframe Program (ACAP). The Advanced Composite Airframe Program (ACAP) represents one of many new technology applications which will be incorporated in the US Army helicopters of the 1990’s. The objective of the program was to demonstrate that significant weight and cost savings could be achieved by the maximum use of composites in airframe structure. A summary of the initial US Army requirements and goals for the ACAP program, as well as highlights of the design program, are reviewed. the Sikorsky ACAP aircraft is a composite fuselage utility helicopter with a gross weight of 8,470 pounds. The aircraft uses the existing proven dynamic system of the Sikorsky Commercial S-76 helicopter. US army survivability requirements, which exceed that of any current military aircraft are incorporated while demonstrating that the US Army goals of 17 percent cost and 22 percent weight reduction were not only attainable but were exceeded. The program final weight savings of 23 percent exceeded the goal and savings beyond 23 percent are anticipated for future programs. Weight savings are reviewed by aircraft section and potential improvements for future applications are addressed.
